Rawlings challenges mushrooming prophets

from RUSSELL ADADEVOH in Accra, GhanaACCRA – FORMER Ghana President, Jerry Rawlings, has challenged some so-called prophets in the country to desist abusing the name of God to enrich themselves.

The criticism comes in the work of “prophets” mushrooming in the continent claiming to have power to heal and turn the fortunes of worshipers around.

“The misuse of God’s name is the worst form kind of corruption that we can talk about.

“We are paying the serious price for it, and we will continue to do so till we wake to the reality of what is scientifically possible, plausible and doable,” said Rawlings.

However, reacting to Rawlings’ comments, one of the country’s popular “televangelists”, Nicholas Osei popularly, popularly known in the country as Kumchacha, fumed saying God would judge the former Head of State for questioning his spiritual works and miracles.

“I’m not perturbed by Rawlings’ comments. They rather ginger me on. God is happy about the work I do, and others are happy too.

“People like my preaching, people like me so if Rawlings alone doesn’t, I’m not surprised,” Osei said.

Rawlings is one of the few African leaders to have challenged prophets.

In Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe, a Catholic, also took a swipe at the mushrooming of young prophets following flashy lifestyles in the country.

In South Africa, many churches, a majority of them being headed by Nigerians, have commanded large followings for claiming to cure miracles.

Scores of South Africans died in Nigeria about two months ago after a church building collapsed on them.